Feyre, the primary protagonist of A Court of Frost and Starlight, wakes to a snowy day at home in the aftermath of the war with the King of Hybern, who wished to destroy and re-enslave humans after centuries of freedom across the magic wall. Feyre lives in the Night Court, the fae territory under the control of Rhysand, or Rhys, her partner. Together, they are the Lord and Lady of the Night Court. The societies that Feyre helps told her to take time off to enjoy the Winter Solstice with Rhys.

Rhys is away handling matters at the war camp of the Illyrians—winged faeries who form half of his own heritage. Feyre eats breakfast and dresses, observing how cluttered their home has become as they work themselves to exhaustion. They are rebuilding their city and attempting to forge alliances with other courts to avoid future wars. Feyre’s thoughts bring up difficult memories of the war, but she pushes them down to work through a pile of letters. Through the mental bond she shares with Rhys, Feyre sees a conflict brewing between Cassian, Rhys’s adopted brother and highest-ranking soldier, and the leader of the Illyrians.